My Genealogy Hound

Edwin J. Williams, prominent as one of the younger farmers of Jasper Township, was born in Shelby County, Tenn., in 1854, to the union of Jesse and Mary (Watson) Williams, natives, respectively, of Kentucky and Georgia. When an infant the father went to Tennessee with his parents and located in Maury County. Here he attained his majority and was educated for the Methodist ministry, which he followed for a profession. He preached in Tennessee, Georgia and Kentucky and was a faithful worker in the church till his death, in 1877, when he was seventy years of age. He located in Shelby County on a farm when about thirty-five years of age, and lived there till called to a home above. He was a member of the Masonic lodge. The mother is still living in the same neighborhood, and is above seventy years of age, active and hearty; she is a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a devoted and active Christian, doing much to advance the interests of her chosen denomination. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are the parents of eight children, seven now living. Eugene O., the youngest child, is deceased. Edwin J., who is the fifth of the family, was reared in Shelby County, Tenn., and received his education in the common schools of that vicinity. Coming to Arkansas in 1879 he remained for three years, when he moved to Fayette County, Tenn., and after spending four years there returned to this county and located on Rosebrough Island, where he is still living, engaged in farming. In connection with James T. Barton, under the firm name of Barton & Williams, he is also occupied in buying cotton seed at Gavin. Mr. Williams was married to Miss Lena Finch, who was born in Macon, Tenn., the daughter of Alphonso and Sally Finch, natives of Tennessee. He is a Democrat in politics, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. They have two children: Valcour F. and Annie V. Mr. Williams is of a philanthropic disposition and is always eager to take hold of and push anything that will advance the interests of the public.